The appeal of Life for Rent is what makes Dido appealing -- she's unassuming and gentle, but her songs are so melodic and atmospheric they easily work their way into the subconscious, and the records are well-crafted enough to be engaging on repeated plays.

Its best moments suggest that Armstrong is unfairly maligned.... At worst, it's twee and bland, aural wallpaper that only someone who didn't really like music could care about. Either way, it isn't going to change anyone's mind about Dido.

Life For Rent breaks no new ground, and while the publicity machine proffers a failed Dido romance as its inspiration, the album retains her debut's style yet without its wonderfully miserable substance.

.... Life For Rent is soft and song after song a continuany of love , breakup and hope....theres no bouncing off the walls ...just down to .... Life For Rent is soft and song after song a continuany of love , breakup and hope....theres no bouncing off the walls ...just down to earth simple lyrics " alot of words and pleanty of meaning" although it may not garner much airplay its best that way..the rare album you can hear again and again and never quite quit....truly a delight....KEY TRACKS : See The Sun, see you when your 40, dont leave home…Expand

Dido has produced absolutely the greatest and finest CD of 2003 with Life For Rent. Hit single White Flag is just the beginning of an album Dido has produced absolutely the greatest and finest CD of 2003 with Life For Rent. Hit single White Flag is just the beginning of an album crammed to the brim with wonderful, atmospheric classic ballads like "Don't Leave Home" and "This Land Is Mine." Dido also experiments with dance and electronica on songs such as "Stoned" and "Sand In My Shoes." Highly recommended - buy it NOW!…Expand

"Life for Rent" Follows all the formulas that her debut album follows, and this is the CD's greatest strength. If you liked Dido before "Life for Rent" Follows all the formulas that her debut album follows, and this is the CD's greatest strength. If you liked Dido before this album, you will like her again here. Each song does its best to be different from the last, but the easy-going tunes often blend together nonetheless. Some songs will fall flat, but most will haunt you enough to listen to them quite a few times.…Expand

Dido follows in a long line of talented Irish singers,( Sinead O'Connor, Dolores O'Riordan, and the Coors to some degree) with a Dido follows in a long line of talented Irish singers,( Sinead O'Connor, Dolores O'Riordan, and the Coors to some degree) with a beautiful voice. That the album is minimalistic to showcase this may come off to some as dull or boring. For those that have grown tired of all the new artist with overproduced, oversung, and overdubbed voices, (pick one!), it's refreshing to hear such a wonderfull sound. This may not have all of the hooks that the first album had, but with such little choices out there, it is still a nice counterbalance to the other "pop" garbage shoved in front of us. Sit back, listen and enjoy. …Expand

The new album by Dido, 'Life for Rent' is definitely not as good as her debut. Perhaps the previous release was just too close to The new album by Dido, 'Life for Rent' is definitely not as good as her debut. Perhaps the previous release was just too close to perfect to be easily surpassed. However, judged by its own standards, this is a good album to listen to. I somehow get the feeling that this album could be seen as a precursor to an even better attempt (her possible 3rd album). In other words, her best work is yet to come; this will not be it. The songs are well written (based on simple themes) and yes (that was the word which eluded me. Perhaps the aim here was beauty in simplicity) The beats are gentle; sound textures smooth, almost seamless. However, the songs border on being monotonous with one essential ingredient missing - (variation - which 'No Angel' despite its generic melancholy mood; did have, in terms of style.) I think that the acid test for her will be whether she can do a good 3rd album and go beyond that to prove that she is not just something of a fad. The album could have been worse, however; it does have its moments.…Expand

A very dull, soulless effort. Took my copy right back to the store, sorry for the bugger that takes it. Gave it a 1 for 'Who makes you A very dull, soulless effort. Took my copy right back to the store, sorry for the bugger that takes it. Gave it a 1 for 'Who makes you feel'.…Expand